In Harris, and many other Texas counties, the local prison system essentially has become the leading first responder in mental health care. (A situation sadly similar to hospital emergency rooms becoming the primary care site for the uninsured.) New state policies under consideration though, might privatize that mental health care away from existing state agencies in order to save money in the near term. While some say it might provide more care to a wider number of the incarcerated, Medical Director of Harris County Jail, Michael Seale cautions it could actually become a larger drain on taxpayers, while also shifting money and attention away from community based prevention and treatment. Services that could help keep some out of the prisons and legal system to begin with. (KRIV 26 News video below)